The talks with the National Association for Manufacturers (NAM) were part of a wider visit to Washington DC by EEF chief, Stephen Phipson, who held talks on trade with a number of senior figures in the US Capitol including trade adviser to Paul Ryan, speaker to the US Congress.
In the talks he stressed the importance of free trade, as well as the importance of a bilateral trade agreement following Brexit.
Phipson also raised the issue of proposed steel tariffs and urged the United States to ensure UK steel imports were not subject to any restrictions. He also met with the British Ambassador to the United States.
The agreement with NAM, signed in Spring 2017, involves sharing market intelligence, data and policy work, facilitating visits for economic delegations to promote trade, investment and commercial exchanges and, opportunities for shared promotion at trade fairs and events. As such the visit also included a roundtable between member companies of NAM and EEF to discuss trade opportunities.
Phipson said: “The ties between the UK and United States go back a long way and we have significant political, economic and trade connections. Relations with the US are vital and its market is the second most important for UK goods. In a post-Brexit world it is likely to assume ever greater importance as part of our efforts to boost global trade.”
